Fruit trees are a real specialty and require some careful planning and care.  Here are some helpful tips that will help you maintain a healthy and productive tree.  See also a list of fruiting plants that we carry, as well as information on successful pollinating.

Choosing the right location

The first thing you need to consider when you buy a fruit tree is where you are going to plant it. Very careful attention must be paid to the information on the plant’s tag. Be sure to consider the height and spread measurements listed when choosing where to put your tree. Most fruit trees will grow from 20 to 30 feet tall and can spread as much as 18 feet.  Also, pay close attention to the notes about sun requirements. Nearly all fruit trees love sun, so choose an open, unshaded area to plant them in.

If you are planting several trees, make sure you leave at least five feet more between them than the spread size listed on the tag. Fruit trees do not need to be right next to each other for pollination. On the other hand, though, planting fruit trees more than 100 feet apart will reduce your fruit crop significantly. If you are using another tree (yours, a neighbor’s or a wild tree) for a pollinator, you will need to keep them within at least 100 feet of each other.

You may also need to consider fruit predators when you plant.  Deer, squirrels and raccoons are prime suspects for fruit thievery, both before and after the fruit becomes ripe. Putting fruit trees closer to the house may help prevent this.

Fertilizing
Fertilizing will also help you get the best fruit yield possible.  You can use a general purpose fertilizer such as Miracle Gro, or choose an extended release spike for fruit trees that will fertilize all season.  If you do not use an extended release product, the best times to fertilize is in spring and fall.

Pruning
Pruning fruit trees is similar to pruning other trees - cut back no more than 1/3 of the tree in the very early spring before the blooms or fruit are produced.  An exception to this is the peach tree, which should be more aggressively pruned to keep its over-abundance of fruit in check.  For peaches, prune out at least 2/3 of the previous year's growth each new season, and thin out excessive fruit production by removing selected fruits when they are about one inch in width.

Pest Control
We recommend Bonide Orchard Spray for fruit trees.  This all natural product will repel pests without compromising the safety and edibility of your fruit.

General Information on Pollinating Your Tree

Once your tree is planted, you’ll need to start thinking about how to ensure proper pollinating for your tree; otherwise, you’ll be lucky to have any fruit at all. If you’re planting apple trees or most kinds of sweet cherry trees (except the ‘Stella’ cherry tree), you will need to cross-pollinate your trees, meaning they will require either another apple or cherry tree for fruiting, or some special work on your part to make sure they are pollinated. On the other hand, most varieties of sour cherries, peaches and nectarines are self-pollinating and can be planted alone in your yard (though it would be wise to plant another pollinating tree, since that would increase crop size and quality). Be sure to carefully check the tags and documentation that came with your plant to see which category your particular type of fruit tree falls under.

If your tree is not a self-pollinator, or if you would like more detailed information, see our section on pollinating.
 

The Importance of Bees (and other bugs)

Once you have provided a source for the pollen your tree needs, you probably won’t need to do anything. The bees and other pollinating bugs local to Connecticut will take it from there. Just be sure that you or your neighbors don’t go on a bee-killing spree, since you need those stingy fellows to pollinate your tree. Bees are hands-down the best pollinators you can have in your garden; other bugs like butterflies will help, but you can’t count on the wind.  Pollination rarely occurs without some intervention by garden insects and hummingbirds.

Other Resources
We have found Flower World in Washington state to be a great online resource for information on fruit trees.